Homeland Security urges local residents to be prepared for possible flood conditions

This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security urges residents in northern and Central Indiana to be cautious of possible flood conditions that could develop with heavy rainfall Tuesday and Wednesday.

A flood watch will be in effect from 7 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service of Indianapolis.

“Spring is usually the time when we’re most concerned about flooding in Indiana,” said Arvin Copeland, IDHS Director of Emergency Response and Recovery, “but recent amounts of heavy rainfall are putting some Hoosiers at risk from rising streams and other bodies of water. It’s important that residents remember to use common sense when dealing with flood water and take every measure to stay safe.”

Heavy rainfall will enter Central Indiana Tuesday night, with three inches possible through early Wednesday. Combined with the melting snow and frozen soil conditions, flooding is expected in low lying areas and near creeks, streams and rivers.

Homeland Security officials urge residents to take the following precautions:

If you live near bodies of water (ponds, rivers, streams, etc.)

Be aware that water levels can change rapidly and flooding can begin with little or no warning.

Monitor local weather and river forecasts and keep an eye on any waterways along roads near your residence.

Consider evacuating in advance of flooding if you think rising water may cut off your access routes to and from home.

On the road

Never attempt to cross a flooded road, even if it seems shallow. Water can conceal dips, or worse, flood waters can damage roadways, washing away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground.

Do not drive around barricades at water crossings. They are there to protect the public. Disregarding warning signs and attempting to cross flooded roads endangers everyone in the vehicle as well as the first responders who may need to come to the aid of those that are stranded.

Remember, just a few inches of moving water is enough to carry away most vehicles including SUVs and pick-up trucks.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize high water danger.

3 comments

Guest

Rick

What the he#& does "Homeland Security" have to do with weather reports?? This government seems to be nothing but re-runs from the Three Stooges or maybe Outer Limits. We certainly have reached the "outer limits" of government overreach. Next thing will be the National Weather Service buying AR-15s and LOTS of rounds of ammo, just to "help" us ward off those tornadoes. I really think that the watches and warnings from the Weather Service are sufficient.